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CIS Reports Results of Testing Various Ergonomic Devices, Software, Con't.
 
ERGONOMIC DEVICE TESTING RESULTS

3M Rennaissance Mouse (PS/2) - $49.95
Mouse “stick,” operates similar to using a joystick. Available in three Sizes (S, M, L) in right-hand version only.

System Requirements:
PC:

Operates using Windows 95, 98 and NT 4.0.
Windows 2000 (scheduled to be available in late 2000).

Macintosh:

Works with the new Apple G4 Power Macintosh Computer with USB port.
Plug and play only ‑ no software support.

iMac/eBook

Works with iMac and eBook computers and compatible with USB support.
Operates using Apple O/S 8.1 or higher with USB upgrades.
Plug and play only ‑ no software support.

Features:

Innovative vertical design keeps the arm in a comfortable, more neutral and natural "handshake" position.

Uses larger muscles to move mouse, reducing risk of discomfort.

Left and right click functions using the thumb button on the top of the vertical grip.

Easy electronic scrolling function reduces scrolling to a single click (PC model only).

Available in two sizes: small/medium and large.

Included software provides user with option for daily ergonomic tips.

Easy installation.

USB connector with PS/2 adapter.

Compatible with PC, Macintosh, and iMac computers with USB ports.

Includes a two-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Left/Right buttons thumb-operated at the top of the stick, third programmable button for scrolling on the side of the stick.

Will operate without drivers as standard 2-button mouse.

Drivers available for Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000. Recommend uninstalling Intellipoint software before driver install.

NOTE:  This device takes up a lot of desktop space – will not work on a keyboard tray. Have had problems with it if drivers are installed over the Intellipoint drivers.


Cirque Cruise Cat Internet Touchpad (Serial, PS/2 – adapter included)
  - $89.95
Two-button TouchPad with Internet functions – can be used left-handed. Able to be used concurrently with PS/2 Mouse if used on USB port.

System Requirements:
IBM PC-compatible desktop, laptop, notebook or subnotebook computer with available serial or PS/2 port.
One of these operating systems: Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0.

Cirque touchpad products will work with most PC computer operating systems, using the standard mouse drivers that were supplied with the system. Certain advanced software features and custom settings will work only with Windows 95/98/NT 4.0 operating systems. Drivers for Windows 2000 and Windows ME are not available at this time.

Features:

Touch Gestures: Draw ANY quick symbol with your finger to instantly access bookmarks, applications, files or commands. A touch on the top hot button activates gestures. You can teach the Cruise Cat numerous gestures.

Three "Hot Buttons:" Launch your browser, open email, and change multimedia settings at the touch of a finger. These virtual hot buttons can also be customized to instantly pull up any file or perform your favorite commands.

Surf: Page back and forward through Web pages quickly with a glide of the finger. It's like flipping through pages of a magazine. These virtual "net navigation buttons" (back and forward) are operable in both Microsoft Explorer and Netscape Navigator.

Scroll: Move horizontally and vertically through any Web site or document by gliding your finger.

Zoom: Reduce or enlarge '97-style documents. Stop searching for the virtual magnifying glass -- just glide your finger to get a close peek at detail or a quick view at layout.

Other: Right tap zone and GlideExtend edge extenders are plug-and-play features. Virtual buttons, sounds, speed, sensitivity, orientation settings and more can be customized with Cruise Cat's driver.

Works very well under supported Operating Systems. Works as a standard two-button trackpad on Windows 2000, Windows Me and Linux.


Contour Perfit Mouse (Serial, PS/2 or USB) –
Serial or PS/2, $89.95; USB, $99.95
Three-button ergonomic mouse, no scrolling wheel, available in five right-hand and three left-hand sizes.

System Requirements:
PC Compatibles:
Serial, PS/2, or USB ports. (USB requires Windows98, Windows 2000 using Default HID driver supplied with the Operating System). Programmable drivers for Windows 3.1, 95, 98, & NT 4.0. Software included.

Macintosh:
ADB or USB port. Programmable drivers for Macintosh SE or higher, System 7.0 or higher. ADB software included. USB requires Mac OS 8.5.1 or higher. MK Linux, Yellowdog Linux, and PPC Linux support.

Linux:
Linux Redhat 6.x, Mandrake v6.x serial support is via mouse systems 3-button. PS/2 support is native three button.

NOTE: Must be purchased to fit hand size. There are five right-hand and three left-hand sizes. Size charts and drivers are downloadable at <http://www.contourdesigns.com> for Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000. Will operate without drivers as two-button mouse. Middle button programmable, default setup is Pan/Scan, which allows vertical/horizontal scrolling when pressed. Drivers can be installed without uninstalling existing Intellipoint Software.


Microsoft Intellimouse Optical (USB or PS/2 – adapter included)
- $49.95. Four-button mouse with scrolling wheel. Can be used with either right or left hand.

System Requirements:
PC Compatibles:
Serial, PS/2, or USB ports (USB requires Windows98, Windows 2000 using Default HID driver supplied with the operating system).
Programmable drivers for Windows 3.1, 95, 98, & NT 4.0 ‑ software included.

Macintosh:
USB port. Programmable drivers for Macintosh System 8.51 or higher. iMac also requires iMac update 1.1 (included). Requires Mac OS 8.5.1 or higher.

This optical mouse has no internal moving parts to get dirty – fully optical and will work on almost any surface without a mouse pad. Works as a standard Intellimouse with the standard version 2.2d drivers installed by default on the Standard Loads. Installing Intellipoint 3.2 (removal of older software not required) allows programming the two side buttons as back and forward navigation buttons in Netscape and Internet Explorer. Installation on Macintosh requires downloading Intellipoint for Macintosh from Microsoft’s Web site.

TESTER’S NOTE: I have one of these at home and have been using it for several months. In my opinion, the most comfortable and trouble-free mouse I’ve ever owned.


Microsoft Trackball Optical (USB or PS/2 – adapter included)
- $69.95.
Four-button, thumb-operated trackball with wheel. Available in right-hand model only.

System Requirements:
PC Compatibles:
Serial, PS/2, or USB ports (USB requires Windows98, Windows 2000 using Default HID driver supplied with the operating system).
Programmable drivers for Windows 3.1, 95, 98, & NT 4.0 ‑ software included.

Macintosh:
USB port.
Programmable drivers for Macintosh System 8.51 or higher. iMac also requires iMac update 1.1 (included).
Requires Mac OS 8.5.1 or higher.

Optical sensor reads ball movement – no internal moving parts. Works as a standard trackball with the standard version 2.2d drivers installed by default on the Standard Loads. Installing Intellipoint 3.2 (removal of older software not required) allows programming the two extra buttons as back and forward navigation buttons in Netscape and Internet Explorer, or can be programmed for other functions. Works very well under Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000. Installation on Macintosh requites downloading Intellipoint for Macintosh form Microsoft’s Web site.

Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional version 4 - $489.95
Voice recognition/dictation software that will allow dictation within Microsoft Office 97 and 2000 Applications. Comes with high-quality headset which was comfortable to wear and performed well. Tested under Windows 98 and Windows 2000.

Software performed well. It took about 30 minutes to install the software and do the initial voice training, after which accuracy was about 90 percent. After further training and configuration, accuracy should be much greater. This software does require a lot of training and vocabulary building to be able to utilize it to the fullest, but appears stable under both Windows 98 and 2000.

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